Liquid-level or other fluid-flow regulator



Jan. 1, 1929. 1,697,342

. G. CAMPBELL LIQUID LEVEL OR OTHER FLUID FLOW REGULATOR Filed Jan. 5, 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet l 16 Gm CM Q 5 1/ By WK M ATTORNEYS.

Jan. 1, 1929. 1,697,342

' G. CAMPBELL LIQUID LEVEL OR OTHER FLUID FLOW REGULATOR Filed Jan. 5, 1925 2 Sheets-Sfieet 2 mmralled by l braz d JNVENTQR BY QMCMM R M M w g WM,-

' ATTORNEYS.

Patented Jan. 1, 1929.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

GRANT CAMPBELL, OF SHORT HILLS, NEW JERSEY, AS SIGNOR T0 CAMPBELL ENGI- NEERING COMPANY, OF SHORT HILLS, NEW JERSEY, A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY.

LIQUID-LEVEL OR OTHER FLUID-FLOW REGULATOR.

Application filed January 5, 1925. ,Serial No. 671.

This invention is a novel liquid level or other fluid flow regulator, or apparatus for controlling the height of water or other liquid in a pressure vessel; and the invention includes also the method involved. The invention is typically represented and embodied in apparatus for regulating the height of water in' a boiler, commonly known as a feed Water regulator, but as the principle would be applicable to the regulation of other liquids in various pressure vessels, the invention is not limited to use with steam boilers, although it will be specifically described in a form adaptable for boiler feed water regulation, as the most convenient illustration of the invention;

Many forms of boiler water regulators have been heretofore used, with varying success, but I am not aware of any that have given entirely-satisfactory automatic regulation, and the general object of the present invention is to improve the thoroughness and accuracy of regulation of the liquid level in'boilers or other vessels. \Vith boilers an exact level is not always desirable, butrather the maintenance of a substantially uniform level, consistent with another desirable condition, namely, the introduction of water into the boiler at rates closely following the varying ratcs at which steam may be drawn from the boiler. Other applications of the invention include various apparatuses wherein vapors or gases may be generated from water, oil or other liquid, and wherein the liquid level may controlledthrough regulation of the vapor withdrawing means rather than regulation of the liquid introducing means as in the case of a steam boiler; or apparatuses whereinthe liquid level control may be through withdrawalof liquid, or introduction of gas. Hereinafter in using the word gas it is intendedto inelude steamor other vapors; and the noun fluid is intended -to include either a liquid or a gas or a mixture.

Further and more particular objects and advantages of the present invention will be explained in the hereinafter following description of an embodiment thereof, or will he understood to those conversant with the subject. said objects and advantages the present in- To the attainment of the afore-- vention consists in the novel ;liquid level regulator, thcnovel method of regulation, and the novel. features of operation, combination, arrangement and structure herein although the arrangement may be endlessly modified, and the disclosure may be considered more or less diagrammatic. Fig.2 is a detail modification. Fig. 3 is an elevation showing a boiler, a pump and interconnections.

The boiler itself is not actually shown in Fig. l, but a connected vessel, in effect a part of the boiler, namely an adjacent water column 5, is indicated, having upper and lower pipes 6 and 7 arranged to connect respectively to the steam space and the water space within the boiler, the level of the water within the column 5 indicating the existing level within the boiler. Alongside the water column may be a glass gage tube 8 affording visual indication of the water level.

For the purposes of the present invention connection is preferably made from the water column 5 to the control means to be described. This connection may consist of a passage or pipe 9 engaged in a threaded boss 10 at an intermediate point in the height of the column. By this arrangement, when the water rises to an excessive height in the boiler, for example'to the level a, as shown, the pipe 9 can draw only water from the column, whereas if the water drops abnormally, for example to the level 0, the pipe 9 can draw only steam, while at an intermediate level, such as b, the pipe can draw a mixture or combination of water and steam. It is the intended operation with the present invention to maintain the water substantially at the level I) or adjacent thereto, and the pipe 9 is located at the correct height'to secure this object. If desired the manner of connection of-the pipe 9 to the Fig. 2 shows the Wand 9, minimizing the effects of oscilla-v tion in the column due to surging in the boiler. I v

It will be under'stoodthat any sort of water column will serve the purposes of this invention, so long as it constitutes a chamber connected above and below with the boiler. so as to present a water level corresponding with that in the boiler, and from which water or steam, or a mixture, of varying proportions, can be drawn from the column for the purposes ot'lhe control. In'special cases the control pipe or passage 9 may connect directly with the boiler drum above and below the water level; in boilers free from surging, the connection to thecolumn is not necessary.

The means of modifying or restoring the liquid level in the pressure vessel or boiler, may, as stated, operate by control either of the gas or the liquid-therein. The controller in the case of a steam boiler is a water feeder or pump or other pressure producing means, in association with a valve of a suitable sort; and in the illustrated embodiment the rcgu lation of this invention is through the C011: trol of a valve 12 cooperating with a water feeder, such as an automatic feed pump. The drawings show the control valve 12 inserted in the feed water pipe line sections 13 and 14, either of which, preferably the pipe 13, may extend to the boiler, the other connecting the feedpump and valve. pump, while not shown, ma be of any well known type, but is preferably automatically controlled by the degree of pressure or resistance encountered by it. It may, for example be a steam operated pump in which a. rise of pressure in the feed water effects automatic shutting down of the steam delivered to the pump. It will be understood however that the immediate regulation of the water. feed to the boiler is by the valve 12, and a high pressure water supply may be secured in any suitable manner.

The illustrated valve is shown as of a balanced type, having two seats 15, cooperating with two disks 16, mounted on a stem 17. In this casethe stem is shown connected or attached to a piston 18 movable longitudinally in a cylindrical casing 19'. For purposes of illustration the valve is shown wholly closed, on the assumption that the Water in the column is above the desired level 6.

Above the piston and cylinder is shown a' valve spring 20 arranged to press downwardly, tending to close the valve. The upperend of the spring may be provided with a head or cap ,21 adjustable vertically by a screw threaded rod 22 to vary the tension 'of the spring, the rod turning within a threaded barrel 23, sup orted above an ex- The cordanee with the changing conditions in the v boiler. As will be seen, when water is fed to too great a height within theboiler, the

downward force of the spring 20 will be supplemented to an increasing extent to force down the piston, against the resisting pressure underneath, and thus reduce the flow through the valve 12. The upward pressure against the piston 18 may be either the pressure produced by the feed pump or other source of feed water, or the pressure due to internal conditions within the boiler. as may be desired. If pipe 13 be assumed as extending to the boiler and pipe 1 1 from the feed pump, the pressure from the latter gives the resisting force to the piston, cooperating with the opposing pressure above. to control the valve. This is satisfactory with many types of feed pump and avoids the difficulty of initial opening of the valve, if the pipes were reversed, and the boiler temporarily without pressure.

The principle of the present invention is dependent upon the flow of fluid (liquid or gas) through an orifice system, which may consist of a single orifice properly arranged, or preferably a series of orifices; the fluid consisting of water or other liquid in case the boiler or other apparatus contains liquid at considerably too high a level, and consisting in steam or other gas in case the level is considerably too low, and consisting of a combination or mixture of liquid and gas, in different proportions, where the level is substantially at or near the desired level. The results are further dependent on the difi'erences in action in the passage through an orifice of liquid or gas or a mixture or combination thereof. The ipe 9 may be considered as the outtake tiom the vessel or the inlet to the control system of this invention, and taking the case of a boiler the water may be said to control its own level by reason of the delivery into the pipe 9 of water, or steam, or a proportioned combination thereof, which operates through the orifice system of this invention to regulate the me of feed water flow into the boiler. I

The pipe 9 is shown as passing first to a strainer consisting of a casing 25containing a mesh or straining material 26, sometimes of use to exclude solid particles from the orifices and thus avoid stoppage of operation. From the strainer a p1pe'27 extends horizontally and is connected by an elbow 28 with a downward pipe 29, connected .lo deliver the fluid or fluids from the boiler into the orifice system constituting an ole-,-

ment of the present invention.

The orifice system hereof preferably com-' prises an arrangement or series of orifices, at least twoim number, trending downwardly. These may be connected in various modes, but it is preferred to employ a series.

of orifice units 31, 32, 33 and 34, or a greater or less number, connected in tandem. The successive llIlli'S, are formed with or contain successive orifice members or nozzles 36,37,

' pipe 29,- and for convenience a hexagonal or other bead 42 assisting in coupling up the apparatus. The lower or discharge end 43 of the unit is formed with interior threads receiving the orifice memberior, nozzle 36, 37, 38 or "39, and exterior threads adapted to be engaged by the interior threads at the upper or entrance end of the next succeeding'orifice unit.- In this way the successive units are rigidly interconnected. The final orlowermost orifice unit 34 is shown as havinga pipe coupling 45 and extending therefrom an outgo pipe 46 conveying the waste flu d to any desired point.

The existing pressures within the successive chambers or units are of progressively may be used for control purposes.

decreasing amount, the pressure within the lowest unit34 being the lowest. Any of the chambers between the first and last orifice For example the final unit 34 is shown as connected by a pipe 48 with a tapped boss scribed and claimed as subject matter of a separate application for patent filed June 13, 1925, Serial No. 36,928; the presentap plication being directed to a specific apparatus or embodiment constituting a fluid flow or liquid level or boiler feed water regulator. It will suffice to state that the pressures within the successive'orifice units are orifice unit 31 will fill up with water.

progressively lower. The flow from each chamber into the succeeding one through the intervening orifice is at a rate determined by the condition of the fluid, whether gaseous or liquid, the pressure thereof at each side of the orifice, and the size or character of the orifice. By the preferred use of a series of successive orifices a considerable total drop of pressure may be secured in gradual stages. The first orifice may be such as to restrict greatly the discharge into the succeeding chamber, and consequently there will be a relatively small total quantity of flowthrough the orifice system, so that the amount of steam and water passing to waste through the outgo pipe 46 may be negligible '111 amount.

The successive orifice nozzles 36, 3'7, 38 and 39 are shown with orifices of progressively increasing diameters, which is sometimes of advantage in the matter of regulatin'g the successive pressures or pressure decreases and the general rate of flow tbroughthe system.

The operation of the described apparatus may be'explained by assuming a specific instance. .If we assume a steam pressure of pounds per square inch in the column 5 and a considerable excess of water in the boiler, as indicated by the drawings, the

pipes and passages 9, 27,28 and 29 and Itpe 1e pressure down to the first orifice 36 will be substantially 100 pounds. The liquid passing through the orifice into the next unit or chamber 32 will partly evaporate, owing to the redu'ction in pressure, and a condition will result in which the chamber is largely filled With a mixture of water and steam, probably in a very active and agitated condition, owing to the forcible entrance or jet through the nozzle 36. The precise decrease of pressure between chambers 31 and 32 is immaterial, and is dependent on the orifice and other factors mentioned. A substantially similar action of reevaporation of the hot liquid and drop of pressure takes. place in the fluids passing from chamber 32 to cham- 33, and again substantiall the same action in passing into the fina chamber 34, in

- which the lowestpressure of the system prevails, and the largest outlet orifice 39 is shown. This invention utilizes the reduced pressure at any intermediate point in the orifice s stem asa motive force for controlling an actuatin the valve or other means which regulates t e liquid levelin the pressure vessel. I

The total dro of pressure from the. boiler to the final ori ce chamber 34 may be substantially from 100 to 44 pounds as an example, with the assumed conditions, in whichthe boiler water level is so high as to fill the passage 9 Whollywith water; The

44pounds resultant pressure in the unit 34 is transmitted by the pipe 48 and applied to 1 of flow as controlled by the valve.

If, on the other hand, the water drop considerably lower than the desired normal in the boiler, for example to the dotted line 0,

then steam will be fed to the pipe 9 and to the orifice system, quickly driving out of the system the water already therein. With steam. alone traversing the successive nozzles, the pressure in the final chamber 34, owing to the extensive restrictive action of the ori fices upon the flow of steam, will be far lower than in the case of the water flow. steam, having less weight, carries less heat and involves no reeva oration or consequent pressure elevation. he steam pressure in the-.final chamber may be as low at pounds. This pressure, applied to the top of the piston 18, is insuflicient to hold the piston depressed. Indeed the spring 20 is to be so adjusted that under these conditions the piston will be elevated to the full extent,

. and the valve thereby opened wide,permitting the maximum flow of the feed water into the boiler.

Withintermediate conditions, that is with a combination of water and steam passing into the orifice system, for example when the water level in the column 5 is approximately at the desired level b, an intermedi-' ate pressure willbe developed at the end of the orifice system and applied on top of the piston 18, and the valve will thereby take an intermediate position, delivering feed water to the boiler in accordance with its requirements. A slight drop, for example, in water level, will increase the proportion. of steam passing to the' orifice system. The result will be a lowered pressure, in the final chamber 34 and upon the piston 18. The valve thereby opens slightly, and the increased feed of water will' quickly restore the desired normal conditions, so that a satisfactorily accurate level will be pre served.

The

the depresse relative quantities of liquid and gas in the vessel or boiler, since by opening the valve the quantity of liquid is relatively increased; and the pr nciples of this invention will 'operate with any other appropriate means for changing the relative quantities of liquid and gas in the vessel or boiler. Like- I and pipe 13.to theboiler, and shows but two units'and orifices in the control system.

The specific use of the broad principles hereof for the withdrawal or relief of excess liquid from rather than-the introduction of liquid to a pressure vessel, is "not made the subject of specific claim herein, but is made the subject of claim in mycopending application, Serial No. 670, filed January 5, 1925. r

It will thus be seen that there has been described a liquidleve] regulator or boiler feed water regulator embodying the pr1nc1- ples and attaining the objects and advantages of the present invention. Since many matters of method, operation, arrangement. combination and structure may be variously modified without departing from the prin ciples of the invention it is not intended to limit the invention to such matters except so far as specified in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. The method of controlling fluid flow in I any system comprising passing the fluid through a plurality of successive restrictive escape apertures spaces between such apertures and allowing its progressive discharge from the final aperture, taking oil the depressed pressure atone of such enclosed spaces, and utilizing variations therein as a motive power ,to control a regulator ,of the flow of the fluid.

2. The method of controlling fluid flow in any system comprising passing the fluid through a plurality of successive restrictive escape apertures and through enclosed spaces between such apertures and the final aperture discharging to atmosphere, taking oif pressure at any such enclosed space, and utilizing variations therein as a motive power to control the flow of the fluid.

3. The method of controlling fluid flow in any system com rising passing the fluid through a system 0 three or more restrictive apertures and through two or more enclosed spaces between them, taking off the depressed pressure at any such chamber, and utilizing and through enclosed variations therein as amotive power to regulate the flow of the fluid.

4:. The method of controlling fluid flow in any system comprising passing the fluid through a series of aperturesof progressively increasing effective areas and having an en.- closed space between each two apertures, taking ofl the depressed pressure at a space beyond the first such space, and utilizing variations of such depressed pressure as a motive power to control a regulator of the flow of the fluid.

5. Liquid level or other fluid flow regulating apparatus comprising a vessel to con-' tain liquid and gas under pressure, and a ,flow passage, in combination with an orifice system arranged to receive liquid or gas or a combination thereof from thepressure vessel, comprising a succession of orifices with discharge from the final one, and a chamber between each two orifices, flow regulating means for said flow passage, and a connection by which the variation-ofdepressed pressure in the orifice system controls the action of said regulating means.

6. Liquid level 'or other fluid flow regulating apparatus comprising a vessel to contain liquid and gas under pressure, and a flow passage, in combination with air orifice system arranged'to receive liquid or gas or a combination thereof from the pressure vessel, comprising a succession of orifices of progressively increasing sizes and the final one discharging to relativel low pressure, and a chamber between eac two orifices, means for regulating the flow in said flow passage, and a connection by which the depressed pressure in the orifice system controls the action of said regulating means. 7. Liquid level or other fluid flow regulating apparatus comprising a vessel to contain liquid and gas underpressure, and a flow passage, in combination with an orifice system arranged to receive liquid or gas or a combination thereof from I the pressure vessel, consisting ,of three or more orifices with two or more-successive pressure chambers between them, means for regulating the flow in said flow passage, and a connection by which the depressed pressure in one of such pressure chambers controls the action of said regulatingv means. w

8. Liquid level or bther fluid flow regulating apparatus comprising a vessel to contain liquid and gas under pressure, and a flow passage, in combination w th an prificesystem consisting. of successive orifices with pressure chamber between each two orifices and arranged to receive llquid or gas or a combination thereof from the pressure vessel, a flow regulating valve in said flow passage, and .a connection independent of said orifices by which the variation of depressed pressure in the orifice system controls the action of said regulating means.

9. Liquid level or other fluid flow regulating apparatus comprising a vessel to contain l quid and gas under pressure, and a flow passage, in combination with an orifice system arranged to receive liquid or gas or a combination thereof from the pressure vessel, comprising a compact pressure chamber having inlet and escape orifices: relatively close together, means for. regulating the flow rangedto receive liquid or gas or a combi-.

nation thereof from the pressure vessel, a

valve in saidflow passage for regulating the. flow in said passage for effecting a change in the relative quantities of liquid and gas in the vessel, and a connection by which the pressure variation in the orifice system controls the action of said valve.

11. Liquid level regulating apparatus 'in combination with a vessel to contain liquid and gas under pressure, a passage connected with said vessel in a manner to admlt liquid or gas or both to the passage in accordance with the height of liquid in the vessel, an orifice system to which said passage leads, consisting of two or more successive chambers between three or more orifices, and vmeans by which the reduced pressure in one of said chambers' beyond the first/chamber controls the level .of liquid in the vessel. I

13. A liquid level regulator comprising in combination with avessel to contain liquid and gas under pressure, apassage connected with said vessel in a manner to admit liquid I or gas or both to the passage in accordance with the height of li uid in the 'vessel, an orifice system to whic said passage leads, comprising a chamber having an orifice inlet and a larger orifice outlet to a free discharge place, means for regulating the level of liquid in the vessel, and a connection from said chamber separate from said orifice outlet for controlling the action of said regulating means.

14. A liquid feed or level regulator comprising in combination with a vessel to contain liquid and gas under pressure, an orifice system consisting of successive orifices with pressure chamber between each two orifices and arranged to receive liquid orgas or both from the vessel, a liquid feed passage leading from a liquid pressure source to the vessel, a feed valve in said passage between the pressure source and vessel, and means b which the variable reduced pressure wit in the orifice system controls the operation of said valve.

15. A liquid feed or level regulator COlTl'. prising in combination with a vessel or boiler to contain liquid and its vapor under pressure, an orifice system consisting of successive orifices with pressure chamber between each two orifices and receiving liquid or vapor or both from the vessel and maintaining such vapor in vaporous-condition, a liquid feed passage leading to the vessel, and means by which the variable reduced pressure Within the orifice system controls the feed of liquid through said passage to the vessel.

16. A regulator as in claim 15 and wherein the orifice system comprises one or more pressure chambers each having an inlet orifice and a larger outlet orifice, the final orifice discharging to relatively low pressure.

17. The method of controlling fluid flow in any system comprising passing the fluid through a system of restrictive apertures having a vaporizing space between each two apertures, and taking off the pressure at any such space, and utilizing variations of such pressure as a motive power to control the flow through a separate fluid passage.

18. The method of controlling liquid feed to a boiler or other vessel comprising drawing liquid or vapor or a mixture from the vessel and passing it through successive restrictive apertures having a vaporizing space between, taking off the depressed pressure at such space, and utilizing variations of such pressure as a motive power to control thefeed of liquid to the vessel.

- 19. The method of regulating feed of liquid to a boiler comprising drawing liquid or vapor or a combination from the boiler in accordance with the level therein, and passing it in hot condition through a system of restrictive apertures having a pressure space between, taking off the variable pressure at such space, and utilizing such ressure as a motive power to control the eed of liquid through a separate passage to the boiler.

20. The method as in claim 19 and wherein the apertures are of successively increasing nections from the. pressure vessel arranged to admit to the orifice system liquid or vapor or a combination thereof in accordance with variations of liquid level in the vessel, the orifice system having a hot chamber with an orifice inlet for the liquid and vapor, operating to restrict the inflow, take down the pressure, and 'permit evaporation of liquid, and an outlet for restricted progressive escape of fluid from the chamber, and means by which the resulting variable depressed pressure in the orifice system controls the operation of the liquid level changi ng means and thereby regulates the liquid level in the vessel. 7

22. An apparatus for automatically regulating the feed of liquid to a vessel containing liquid and vapor under pressure, the same comprising a passage for the feed of liquid to the vessel, in combination with an orifice system arranged to receive from the vessel hot liquid or vapor or a combination thereof in accordance with variations of liquid level in the vessel, the orifice system having a vaporization chamber with an orifice inlet operating to restrict the inflow, take down the pressure, and permit evaporation of hot liquid, and an outlet for restricted progressive escape from the chamber, and means by which the resulting variable depressed pressure in the orifice system controls the liquid feed to the vessel.

23. A liquid feed or level regulator com-- prising in combination with a vessel to contain liquid and vapor under pressure, an orifice system having a vaporization chamber arranged to receive liquid or vapor or both from the vessel and discharge the same, a liquid feed passage leading to the vessel, and means by which the variable reduced pressure within the orifice system controls the feed of liquid through said passage to the vessel.

24. A boiler feed regulator comprising a hot chamber having an inlet orifice arranged to receive fluid from the boiler and a progressive escape, whereby liquid and vapor may be received and discharged and liquid evaporate in the chamber resulting in a variable depressed pressure, .regulable liquid feed means, and a eonnectionwvhereby the variable chamber pressure controls the action of the feed means.

25. A boiler feed regulator as claim 24 and wherem the regulable feed means comprises a feed valve arranged in the feed line between the liquid source and the boiler, and operated from the chamber pressure to open further when the boiler level is too 510W and close further when it is too high. 26. A; boiler feed regulator as in claim 24 and wherein is a' boiler Water column adjacent the boiler and a passage taking out from said column for conducting fluids to the orifice system. I 10 In testimony whereof, I have affixed my signature hereto.

GRANT CAMPBELL. 

